Over his last nine games, Merrill has tallied at least three hits on five occasions, going 20-for-39 (.513) in that span. The outfielder has added 13 RBI and three home runs during the hot streak. For the season, he's batting .256 with a .746 OPS, 25 home runs, 26 stolen bases, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, 25 doubles and four triples over 149 contests. Merrill is locked into a starting role as the Padres battle for a playoff spot.

The 23-year-old center fielder took Cesar Perdomo deep in the third inning for his third home run in the last three games and his 25th of the season. Merrill is the fourth player this season to join the 25-25 club, following Pete Crow-Armstrong, Elly De La Cruz and CJ Abrams. After a slow start to the campaign, Merrill has been locked in since the All-Star break, batting .299 over his last 52 games with 15 homers, seven steals, 34 runs and 42 RBI.